Jackson R-2 School District
Elementary
Standards-Based Report Card
Parent Guide 2015-16
Fourth Grade
Parent resources are available on
the district website.
http://www.jacksonr2schools.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is standards-based assessment and reporting?
Standards-based assessment and reporting measures how a student is progressing toward meeting specific
education standards. The standards tell teachers, parents, and students what the students are supposed to
be learning, and standards-based assessment reports how well students are achieving grade level standards.
Standards-based assessment is used to help every student understand where he or she is in relation to
meeting standards so they can improve. It is based on the belief that every child can learn given the right
support and opportunity.
Why does the Jackson R-2 School District use a standards-based report card ?
Many of the leading educational researchers in our country (Doug Reeves, Robert Marzano, Tom Gusky, Rick
Stiggins, and Richard DuFour) have identified the educational benefits of improving the quality of feedback
students receive on how they are performing in relation to clearly identified standards. By using a standardsbased grading and reporting system we are following the results of educational research and best practice.
How will this benefit my child?
A standards-based report card benefits students in the following ways:
 A standards-based report card identifies essential standards that are to be learned at each grade level, so
your child will know what he/she is expected to learn.
 Teachers across the district have the same understanding of what each child should know and be able to
do at each grade level.
 Parents will understand the expectations and be able to provide support at home.
 Teachers will provide instruction and additional support for all students at all levels of learning.
 Teachers, parents, and students will receive timely feedback based on results of formative and summative assessments.
 Teachers, parents, and students will have a better understanding of the specific skills students have mastered and skills students will continue to work toward.
How will standards-based progress be reported to parents?
The report card uses a numeric marking system to indicate performance levels on district standards.
4= Exceeding district and state level standards. Demonstrates in-depth inferences and applications of
grade level concepts.
3= Meeting district and state level standards. Demonstrates and applies the key concepts, processes,
and skills for the grade level.
2= Approaching the district and state level standards, with assistance and guidance. Demonstrates
understanding of basic key concepts, processes, and skills for the grade level.
1= Beginning to demonstrate a basic understanding of key concepts, processes, and skills for the
grade level. Not yet able to produce work that meets district and state level standards.
In grades kindergarten through fifth, standards-based progress will be reported at mid-quarter in the areas of
English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Student Responsibilities. Standards-based
progress will be reported at the end of the quarter for those same areas as well as Art, Music, and P.E.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my child earn Academic Distinction?
Fourth and fifth grade students will have the opportunity to earn “Academic Distinction.” Students must attain an
average of 3.0 or higher on all standards-based report card items listed under the core areas of English Language
Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies for the quarter. Students may earn Academic Distinction each quarter.
Fourth Grade Standards-Based Report Card Items
English Language Arts
READING: FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS
Reads with accuracy, fluency, and expression Quarter 1-4
Reads grade level text Quarter 1-4
READING: COMPREHENSION
Summarizes main ideas and details Quarter 1-4
Explains inferences about characters, setting, problem, and solution Quarter 2-4
Compares and contrasts stories with common themes and events Quarter 3-4
READING: VOCABULARY
Finds the meaning of unknown words using a variety of vocabulary skills and strategies Quarter 4
WRITING
Uses correct capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and grammar in daily work Quarter 2-4
Writes a variety of texts Quarter 3-4
Fourth Grade Standards-Based Report Card Items
Mathematics
OPERATIONS AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING
Estimates and multiplies multi-digit numbers using a variety of strategies Quarter 1-4
Applies strategies and properties to estimate and divide by one-digit divisors Quarter 2-4
NUMBER AND OPERATIONS- FRACTIONS
Adds and subtracts fractions and mixed numbers Quarter 3-4
Makes and compares fractions and decimals Quarter 3-4
Multiplies fractions by whole numbers Quarter 3-4
GEOMETRY
Classifies shapes by properties of their lines and angle measurements Quarter 4
Science
ECOLOGY
Identifies how plants and animals survive within their environments Quarter 1-4
EARTH SYSTEMS
Describes the characteristics of soil, rocks, and changes on the Earth’s surface Quarter 2-4
MATTER AND ENERGY
Classifies and constructs electrical circuits Quarter 4
SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
Uses the scientific process when conducting experiments and investigations Quarter 4
Fourth Grade Standards-Based Report Card Items
Social Studies
GEOGRAPHY
Identifies major Missouri cities and compares Missouri regions Quarter 1-4
HISTORY
Describes the sequence and importance of Thomas Jefferson, the Louisiana Purchase, and Lewis and Clark
Quarter 2-4
Explains how Missouri became a state Quarter 3-4
GOVERNMENT
Describes the three branches of state government Quarter 3-4
SOCIAL SCIENCE INQUIRY
Uses and evaluates primary and secondary sources Quarter 4
Art
Uses art tools and materials
Follows directions and demonstrates effort
Creates and expresses given ideas visually
Understands and uses elements and principles of design
Identifies and creates multicultural artworks and historical styles of art
Fourth Grade Standards-Based Report Card Items
Music
Melody: Demonstrates vocal techniques
Rhythm: Demonstrates and reads simple patterns
Form: Distinguishes between different forms in music
Notation: Demonstrates basic understanding of the staff
Listens and follows directions in order to participate fully in music education activities
Physical Education
Participates fully in physical education activities
Follows rules, directions, and uses good sportsmanship
Demonstrates locomotor skills needed to perform a variety of physical activities
Demonstrates manipulative skills needed to perform a variety of physical activities
Student Responsibilities
Demonstrates neatness in daily work
Talks at appropriate times
Pays attention
Follows directions promptly
Works and plays well with others
Works independently
Demonstrates self-control
Completes assigned tasks on time